223 Jamshaid et al.

Int. J. Biosci. 2018

REVIEW PAPER OPEN ACCESS

Heavy metal in drinking water its effect on human health and

its treatment techniques - a review

Muhammad Jamshaid1*, Arshad Ali Khan1, Kashif Ahmed1,Monawwar Saleem2

1Department of Chemistry, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan

2National Institute of Oceanography, Karachi, Pakistan

Key words: Contamination, Heavy metal, Wastewater treatment, Drinking water.

http://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/12.4.223-240 Article published on April 28, 2018

Abstract

In human life, the dispute related to drinking water pollution is increasing day by day. In this article we

discussed the contamination of drinking water with heavy metals. Heavy metals are a metallic element that has a

relatively high density, specific gravity, or atomic weight and has toxic effects. Generally, humans are more likely

to be exposed to heavy metals through water consumption and thus bioaccumulation of toxic metals takes place

in the human body. Which causes serious human health hazards and may induce cancer and other risks. The

main sources for drinking water pollution are improper dumping of domestic and industrial wastes. The writing

purpose of this review article is to increase the awareness about heavy metal and its high concentration effect on

living things. Point out many diseases that causes, due to the high concentration of heavy metal in drinking

water, also point out the reason of why heavy metal concentration increasing in water. Many water treatment

technique has also been discussed in this paper, all these treatments that helps to remove excess amount of

heavy metal in drinking water. The data presented in this review have been taken out from different published

studies. Water is the basic need of life. In short "healthy water gives the healthy life".

* Corresponding Author: Muhammad Jamshaid chemist.jamshaid@gmail.com

International Journal of Biosciences | IJB |

ISSN: 2220-6655 (Print), 2222-5234 (Online)

http://www.innspub.net

Vol. 12, No. 4, p. 223-240, 2018

224 Jamshaid et al.

Int. J. Biosci. 2018

Introduction

In this article use the word heavy metal to the

identification of toxic metal. Healthy drinking water

is the basic need of the human health. Contaminated

drinking water is a significant risk to human health

(WHO, 2011). Total Water on earth contains 3 % fresh

water. Only a little portion (0.01%) of this fresh water

is available for human utilization (Hinrichsen and

Tacio, 2002). Even this little portion of fresh water is

under huge pressure due to rapid rise of population,

urbanization, climatic change, utilization of natural

resources and food requirement. The demand of fresh

water for agricultural and industrial purposes is also

increasing with modernization, due to these a severe

water shortage can result in next decades. Only a few

heavy metals (e.g. copper, selenium, zinc) with low

concentration are necessary to maintain the

metabolism of the human body. When these elements

cross their limits those creates the negative impact on

human health (USEPA, 2015).The high concentration

of heavy metal intensively effects on health, no. of

disease increases day by day like cancer that are

associated with heavy metal (Volety, 2008;

Karavoltsos et al., 2008; Delpla et al., 2009; Liu et

al.,2009, 2011; Montuori et al., 2013; Mandour and

Azab, 2011;Shanbehzadeh et al., 2014,USEPA, 2014,

2015). The heavy metalscan enter into the

environment through anthropogenic activates and

natural process. An industrial process like

electroplating, metal smelting and industrial waste

are also the sources of heavy metal (He et al., 2008).

Most of the countries do not properly recycle

agriculture waste, industrial wastewater and

Industrial waste, so it is also a source of excess heavy

metal. (Gupta, 2008). Liu et al. (2011, 2012). In China

Hong Feng Lake, the main source of heavy metal

identified industrial effluents and bio-geo process.

(Szefer et al., 1999).If we talk about the concentration

of arsenic in Bangladesh. There is fifty district where

the concentration of arsenic is greater than 50 μg/L

(Uddin and Huda, 2011; Jiang et al., 2013). Heavy

metal like arsenic causes a source of contamination in

a floodplain and in a deltaic region (Chakraborti et al.

2010). Sediments that are below in the water adsorb

metal and provide a continuous source of toxic water

(Chowdhury et al., 2004; Wu et al., 2014; Wang et al.,

2015). The industrial process, waste and traffic

pollution are the essential source to introduce toxic

metals (lead and mercury) in the atmosphere, these

metal accumulate in soil and then enter to water

gradually by surface runoff due to acid rain (Wang et

al., 2015). The sub-chronic and chronic effect also due

to heavy metal. Forty million people of Bangladesh

affected health issue due to drinking unhealthy water

(Karim,2000; Chakraborti et al., 2010; Uddin and

Huda, 2011) Japan also have issue of contaminated

water. In the Jinzu River have a greater concentration

of cadmium due to Kamioka Zinc Mine in Japan that

is highly affected by health (Yoshida et al., 1999).

In 2011, 2015 WHO and USEPA point out an allowed

limit of the toxic metal in drinking water. Many

reports have published that focus on water quality

and intensively point out effect, due to a high

concentration of heavy metal in water, also point out

the source of contamination, a risk that creates on

health and gives the solution to control(World Bank,

2016), (WHO, 2011).

Heavy Metal and its Effect On Health

Heavy metals introduce in groundwater and surface

water by human activities (unstandardized Industrial

process, municipal waste, excess and sometime

unrequired chemicals are used in agriculture process)

(Midrar-Ul-Haq et al., 2005). In most areas of

Pakistan, the concentration of heavy metals ishigher

than the permissible limit of WHO, (Table 3) show

summarized the result of many reports. Some heavy

metals are essential for health but in limited

concentration, high concentration creates harmful

effect on health. Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) are

important for health but in limited concentration

(Solomons and Ruz, 1998), (Fosmire, 1990; Singh et

al., 2006). The WHO permissible limit of drinking

water for Cu 2 mg/l.

Zinc (Zn)

Zinc is an essential trace element, which is required in

small quantity to maintain human health. Zinc helps

in production of hormones, growths, improvement of

225 Jamshaid et al.

Int. J. Biosci. 2018

immune and digestive system. Having drinking water

contain higher or lower concentration of zinc than the

required amountinduces undesirable health effects.

Increased Zinc can result distinguished health

problems such as stomach cramps, skin

inflammation, vomiting, nausea, anemia, root trouble

in pancreas, protein metabolism and further it can

generate arteriosclerosis. Zinc deficiency can lead to

fertility issue and also increase the risk of diabetes.

The WHO permissible limit of drinking water for Zn

is 3mg/l.Since a protective coating is easily

constructed on the surface of zinc metal, which avoids

atmospheric corrosion. Zinc is widely used in

galvanization industry such as steel processing,

shipbuilding, automobiles and construction. Zinc

oxide is also used in the pharmaceutical, paint,

rubber, cosmetics, plastics, inks, soaps, batteries and

textiles industries. These industries are responsible

for the high zinc metal concentration if they don‘t

apply an effective treatment for the removal of zinc

form industrial waste.

Manganese (Mn)

Manganese is an important trace mineral that is

needed by our body in little amounts for the

production of digestive enzymes, absorption of

nutrients, wound healing, bone development and

immune-system defenses. Negative health effects can

be caused by insufficient or excessive intake of

manganese. Although manganese deficiency in

humans is comparatively rare because manganese is

present in many common foods. A deficiency can

cause serious health problems including weak bones

(osteoporosis), muscle and joint pain, and sexual

dysfunction. Human exposure to higher amount of

manganese can result severe disorders in nervous

system, and long term exposure in its worst condition

can cause permanent neurological effects with

symptoms characterized by ―Parkinson's disease,‖

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease includes weakness,

shaking, slowness, anxiety, quieter speech,

depression, memory loss and frequent urination.

Manganese is a mineral that naturally occurs in rocks

and soil, but human activities are much responsible

for underground water pollution by this element

(USEPA, 2004).There are some places in Pakistan

where the concentration of Manganese found

higherthan the WHO allowed limit (0.5mg/L).

The concentration of Manganese found (2.56mg/L),

five times greater than WHO permissible limit in

groundwater from Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (Midrar-

Ul-Haq et al., 2005), whereas in water sample from

Faisalabad city it is reported (1.06mg/l),

approximately double the WHO standard limit

(Mahmood and Maqbool, 2006).However, other

studies show the Mn concentration in most areas of

Pakistan found within safe limit.

Iron (Fe)

Iron (Fe) is an essential element for human health

that performs various function in our body, the most

well-known of them is production of protein

hemoglobin, which carry oxygen from our lungs to

transfer it throughout the body. Insufficient or excess

levels of iron can have negative effect on body

functions (Anonymous, 2008). An iron deficient

person may have symptoms like weakness, Dizziness,

headaches, Shortness of breath, Pale skin, Chest pain.

Whereas an excess iron in vital organs, increases the

risk for liver disease (cirrhosis, cancer), heart failure,

diabetes mellitus, depression, osteoarthritis,

osteoporosis, infertility, hypothyroidism, abdominal

pain, hypogonadism, numerous symptoms and in

some cases it becomes cause of premature

death.(Beckman et al., 1999; Parkkila et al., 2001),

(Ellervik et al.,2001; Parkkila et al., 2001; Perez de

Nanclares et al., 2000), (Berg et al., 2001; Sayre et

al., 2000). In drinking water WHO recommended

value for iron is 0.3mg/l.It is sad to say that the

concentration of iron is high in Pakistan water.

According to PCRWR report, surface water and

groundwater contain 40% iron and 28% iron

respectively that is very high. (PCRWR, 2005).

In different areas of Pakistan, the concentration of

iron in groundwater ranging from 0 to 3.7mg/L and

0.01 to 9 mg/L in surface water (Table 1).

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Int. J. Biosci. 2018

Table 1. Heavy/toxic metals concentrations (mg/L) in ground and surface water samples of Pakistan. Data are

extracted from various individual studies and arranged chronologically based on year of publication of the

reviewed articles. Values given represents the mean values or the range from minimum to maximum and where

both range and mean are given, the value in parenthesis () is the mean value.

S. no. Sampling location Zn Cu Fe Mn CdCr NiPb HgAs(μg/L) Reference A Groundwater

1.

Various spots in 4.02 0.09 – – 0.04 0.34 0.50 2.0 0.01 80 Rahman et al.

(1997) Karachi

2.

Tube Well water 0.009 0.02 0.07 0.02 0.001 0.04 0.03 0.03 – – Lone et al.

(2003) Hasan abdal

3.

Shallow wells in 0.047–0.340.26–0.34 0.0–0.30 0.071–0.21 0.0–0.04 –0.0–0.68 0.27–0.38 – –Ilyas and

Sarwar (2003)the vicinity of Palosidrain Peshawar (n=13)

4.

Deep Wells in the 0.0–0.0820.558–0.598 0.46–0.99 0.0–0.306 0.0–0.056 – 0.0–0.52 0.0–0.49 – –Ilyas and Sarwar

(2003) vicinity of Palosidrain Peshawar(n=3)

5. Well water District– – 0.07–2.7 0.06–1.0 – – – – – 60–1000a Nickson et al. (2005)Multan (n=3)

6. Well water District– – 0.0–1.65 0.0–0.69 – – – – – 0.0–400aNickson et al. (2005) Muzaffargarh (n=46)

7.

Tube well water0.048 0.032 2.39 0.124 0.041 0.03 0.656 0.24 – –Saif et al. (2005)

Korangi, Karachi (n=4)

8.

Well water from 0.002–0.27 0.004–0.67 0.01–0.43 0.08–2.56 0.01–0.07 0.01–0.30 0.002–3.66

0.02–0.73 – –Midrar-Ul-Haq et al. (2005) Charsadda and (0.13) (0.21) (0.16) (1.22) (0.04)

(0.14) (0.96) (0.33) Risalpur NWFP(n=8)

9.

Well water from 0.04–0.520.01–0.210.51–2.390.07–0.120.02–0.040.003–0.070.01–2.190.10–0.24––Midrar-Ul-

Haq et al. (2005) Korangi Karachi (n=4) (0.26)(0.10)(1.22)(0.10)(0.03)(0.03)(1.20)(0.15)

10. Groundwater1.84 1.30 3.70 1.06 – 0.01 0.13 0.12 – –Mahmood & Maqbool (2006) Chakera, Faisalabad

11.

Tube wells in0.007–0.0660.87–0.893 0.004–0.037 0.059–0.1640.007–0.0250.017–0.1110.03–0.066 0.21–1.20 – –

Nasrullah et al. (2006)Gadoon, NWFP

S. no. Sampling location Zn Cu Fe Mn CdCr NiPb HgAs(μg/L) Reference

12. Tap water industrial0.050 0.030 0.50 0.15 – – 0.00 0.001 – – Sial et al. (2006) estate, Hattar, NWFP

13. Tube and dug wells0.01–0.23 0.25–0.450.01–0.200.06–0.22 0.01–0.060.03–0.160.38–1.750.20–0.97 –

– Tariq et al. (2006) Hayatabad, Peshawar (n=4)(0.10)(0.36)(0.08)(0.12)(0.03)(0.09)(0.88)(0.66)

14. Kalalanwala, Punjab – – – –– –– – – 32–1900Farooqi et al. (2007a)(n=24)

15.

Well water from 0.01–1.08–0.02–11.80.01–0.170.001–0.0270.05–9.800.001–0.24 0.003–0.26 –– Tariq

et al. (2008)residential area(0.14)(2.57)(0.04)(0.007)(2.12)(0.08)(0.11) Kasur city (n=68)

16.

Groundwater from0.0–0.810.01–0.17 0.0–0.83 0.0–0.09 –0.0–0.300.01–0.22 0.11–0.81 – – Ullah et al.

(2009) different spots in(0.16)(0.06)(0.30)(0.03)(0.03)(0.10)(0.49)Sialkot city (n=25)

17.

Hand pumps water– –– – – – – – – 23.3–96.3 Arain et al. (2009)

in the vicinity of(60.2) Manchar Lake, Sindh (n=1944)

1. Tarbela Reservoir 0.028 0.04 0.012 0.018 0.004 0.003 0.061 0.107 0.014 620Ashraf et al. (1991)

2. Chashma Reservoir 0.029 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.003 0.071 0.065 0.058 0.017 750Ashraf et al. (1991)

3. Lloyd Reservoir 0.028 0.0040.012 0.0180.002 0.002 0.061 0.107 0.14 620Ashraf et al. (1991)

4.

River Ravi different 0.01–0.03 0.001–0.006 0.042–0.127 0.0013– 0.0002–0.0003–0.0012–0.0004–0.0003–

0.32–1.8 Tariq et al. (1994)sites (n=5)0.0097 0.00140.00140.00130.00170.0009

5

Palosi drain,0.0–0.239 0.0 0.37–0.75 0.017–0.242 0.0–0.004 – 0.0–0.18 0.0–0.34 – –Ilyas and Sarwar ((2003)

Peshawar (n=4)

6

Surface water from0.003–0.080.01–0.770.01–1.290.01–1.11 0.002–0.090.01–0.12 0.01–1.52 0.02–0.38

– – Midrar-Ul-Haq et al.(2005) different spots(0.04)(0.20) (0.19) (0.22) (0.02)(0.04)(0.21)(0.16) in NWFP

(n=16)

S. no. Sampling location Zn Cu Fe Mn CdCr NiPb HgAs(μg/L) Reference

7. Malir River in0.06–0.290.01–0.840.13–2.91 0.05–0.570.002–0.070.03–0.29 0.02–1.060.09–0.32 – –

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Int. J. Biosci. 2018

Midrar-Ul-Haq et al (2005) Karachi (n=8)(0.16)(0.31)(0.78)(0.33)(0.04)(0.10)(0.59)(0.19)

8. River Chenab – – 0.18 0.28 – – – – – 7Nickson et al. (2005) (n=1)

9.

Canal water, 0.04–0.05 0.59–0.73 0.90–1.02 0.61–0.71 0.09–0.14 0.13–0.17 0.33–0.39 0.34–0.43 – –Nazif et al.

(2006)

Akbarpura area, Nowshera, NWFP(n=9)

10. Bara River,0.02–0.06 0.90–1.20 1.29–1.75 0.77–0.85 0.15–0.20 0.16–0.29 0.53–0.72 0.43–0.62 – –Nazif et al.

(2006Akbarpura area, Nowshera, NWFP (n=9)

11.

Kalar Kahar Lake,0.44–2.82 0.01–1.20 0.20–5.46 – 0.01–0.05 – 0.04–0.25 0.01–0.30 – –Raza et al. (2007)

Chakwal, Punjab

12.

MNVD, Sehwan, 0.0041–0.0072 0.003–0.0116–– 0.0001–– 0.0002– 0.004–– –Mastoi et al. (2008)

Jamshoro, Sindh (n=3) 0.00840.01850.0180.0052 0.0096

13.

Manchar Lake0.0046–0.0006–0.0073–– 0.0001–– 0.0004–0.0057–– – Mastoi et al. (2008)

Jamshoro, Sindh (n=9) 0.03480.01960.01780.002 0.00960.014

14. Hudaira drain,1.7 0.45 7–9 0.85 0.18 0.07 0.93 0.03 – – Kashif et al. (2009) Lahore

15.

Manchar Lake –– – – – – – –– 35–157 Arain et al (2009.)

Jamshoro, Sindh (n=540) (97.5) WHO Standard 3.00 2.00 0.30c 0.5 0.003 0.05 0.02 0.01 0.001 0.01

a. Arsenic was determined in the field.

b. Study was conducted on a monthly basis for one year. The values given shows the range throughout the year.

c. Desired.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province the concentration

of iron in water is lower as compared to Sindh and

Punjab provinces but still greaterthan the 0.3mg/L

WHO limit in many cases.

The industries responsible for iron pollution are steel

manufacturing, pipe making and civil engineering or

construction (strengthen to concrete, girders etc.).

Cadmium (Cd)

Cadmium is a natural element in the earth‘s crust. An

acute exposure to significantly higher cadmium levels

can lead to a variety of negative health effects

including Diarrhea, Vomiting, fever, lungs damage,

muscle pain(Nordberg, 2004).

While some diseases appear by continuous intake of

cadmium, like kidney disorder and bone damage,

reproductive problem and possibly even cancer.

(Barbier et al., 2005), (Frery et al., 1993; Johnson et

al., 2003; Piasek and Laskey, 1999), (Kazantzis,

1979), (Waalkes et al., 1988).

The permissible value of Cd according to WHO is

0.003 mg/L.

In Pakistan, Cd concentrations in both surface and

ground water found higher than the WHO standard

limit that may be a result of discharge of untreated

waste from industries like marble, steel electroplating

(to avoid corrosion), mining, aluminum and most

often it is used in the manufacturing of rechargeable

nickel-cadmium batteries.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province the highest

value of 0.021mg/L was detected in the samples taken

from well water of Hayatabad Industrial Estate(S.

Manzoor et al., 2006)Similarly, in surface water

samples from various sites in KPK, Cd concentration

reported between 0.002 to 0.09mg/L with mean

value of 0.02mg/L. Whereas Cd concentration in

Malir River of Karachi city of Sindh province ranged

from 0.002 and 0.07mg/L with mean value of 0.04

mg/L.

The highest value of 5.35 mg/L Cd concentration

reported in wastewater from Korangi area, Karachi

(M. S. Saif et al.,2005), which is higher than the

permissible limit of 0.10mg/L set by NEQS-Pak for

industrial and sewage wastewater. Furthermore, in

Lahore city of Punjab province Cd concentration is

also higher than the NEQS-Pak safe limit, and ranged

from 0.18 to 0.37mg/L (A. Mahmood et al., 2014).

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Int. J. Biosci. 2018

Table 2. Arsenic contamination in various districts/cities of Punjab and Sindh Provinces Source: PCRWR

(2008b, c).

City/district name Total no. of

samples

No. of samples

>10 μg/L

No. of samples

>50 μg/L

% of samples

>10 μg/L

% of samples

>50 μg/L

Punjab Province

Bahawalpur 145 35 6 24.13 4.13

Hasilpur 110 9 – 8.18 0

Khairpur 108 6 1 5.55 0.92

Ahmedpur East 185 44 5 23.78 2.70

Yazman 210 44 8 20.95 3.80

Sadiqabad 298 57 9 19.12 3.02

Rahim Yar Khan 302 63 12 20.86 3.97

Khanpur 262 41 5 15.64 1.90

Liaqatpur 254 47 6 18.50 2.36

Multan City 56 40 7 71.42 12.5

Shujaabad 80 34 1 42.5 1.25

Jalalpur Pirwala 103 32 4 31.06 3.88

Sindh Province

Khairpur 420 56 8 13.1 1.9

Gambat 388 209 102 53.35 26.03

Kotdiji 306 10 2 3.27 0.7

Dadu 595 347 150 58.3 26.55

Johi 140 30 4 21.4 3

Sehwan 139 62 40 44.6 29

Total 1988 563 152 28.3 7.64

Chromium (Cr)

The most interesting thing is that chromium itself not

toxic while its important role in our body but some of

its compound are toxic. In human body, chromium

metal act as an essential part of metabolic processes

that regulates sugar level in blood, and helps insulin

transport glucose into cells, where it can be used for

energy. A very little amount of chromium is needed

by our body. Due to its involvement in metabolism of

fats, proteins, carbohydrate, carbs and other

nutrients, chromium also play a role in preventing

cardiovascular disease. Chromium based deficiency

include symptoms like, irregular blood glucose,

fatigue, high cholesterol, anxiety etc. As compared to

trivalent (+3) chromium, hexavalent (+6) chromium

is more toxic, and this form results from industrial

pollution. And an excess intake of this form may

cause irritation of skin, digestive problem and lung

cancer. Maximum allowed concentration of

Chromium in water according to WHO is

0.05mg/L.PCRWR conducted a study in 23 major

cities of Pakistan, and observed that only 1% of

groundwater samples crossed the safe limits for

chromium (PCRWR,2005). Many researchers

reported the concentration of chromium is higher

than the WHO safe limit (0.05mg/L). The

concentration of chromium reported 9.80mg/L

(means 2.12mg/L) in drinking water samples taken

from the residential area of Kasur, Punjab province

(Tariq et al, 2008).Comparably, 25% samples were

taken from Karachi (Sindh Province) and 75 %

samples were collected from different sources in

Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa Province for the analysis of

drinking water and observed that chromium

concentration exceed the maximum allowed value for

drinking water (Midrar-Ul-Haq et al., 2005).

229 Jamshaid et al.

Int. J. Biosci. 2018

Industrial activities also impact on of heavy metal

concentration if they drain their waste without any

treatment. In Lahore and Sialkot there are several

industries of leather and tanneries that play a harmful

effect on health by increasing chromium

concentration in the atmosphere (Ullah et al., 2009).

Table 3. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of various treatment techniques accessible for the

removal of heavy metals from wastewater.

S.NO Techniques Advantages Disadvantage References

1 Coagulation Cost effective, Dewatering qualities Generation of sludge, Utilization

of chemicals is high

M.J.K. Ahmed, et al., (2016).

2 Membrane filtration High removal of heavy metals, lower space

requirement

Very expensive, membrane fouling, complex process. M.J.K. Ahmed, et al., (2016).

3 Adsorption Easy operation, less sludge production, utilization of

low cost

adsorbents

Desorption L. Ruihua et al., (2011) .

4 Electrochemical

treatment

Efficient for the removal of important metal ions,

low chemical usage

Initial investment is high, need high electrical supply M.J.K. Ahmed, et al., (2016).

5 Electrodialysis High segregation of metals Clogging and energy loss T.A.H. Nguyen, et al., (2013).

6 Ion exchange High transformation of components Removes only limited metal ions, operational cost is

High

U. Farooq, et al., (2010).

7 Photocatalysis Eliminates both the metal ions and organic

pollutants concurrently

It takes prolonged time to remove the metals Ihsanullah et al,.(2016).

8 Biological treatment This technology is beneficial in removing heavy

metals

Need to be developed M. Ahmaruzzaman, et al., (2009).

9 Oxidation No need of electricity Rusting occurs in the system due to the usage of

oxidation

D.S. Patil, et al., (2016).

Nickel (Ni)

Nickel is a metal that occurs in the environment, and

can be found in air, water and soil. Yes, we have

requirement for Nickel, not much but in a trace level.

The exact reason why we need this mineral is not

clear. According to animal studies nickel play a role in

use of folic acid and vitamin B12 by human body.

Some other animal studies also suggest that Nickel

concentration influence the production of certain

hormones. An uptake of excess quantities of nickel

can lead to adverse health effects such as lung cancer,

nose cancer, larynx cancer and prostate cancer,

Sickness, dizziness, Asthma and Heart disorders.

Humans are exposed to Nickel by breathing Ni

contaminated air, drinking water, eating food. WHO

permissible value for Nickelis 0.02mg/L, this amount

is not harmful for our body. In Pakistan the

concentration of nickel in ground and surface water

ranges from 0 to 3.66 mg/L and 0 to 1.52 mg/L

respectively (Table1). A relative study shows that the

Ni concentration in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Province

have much higher concentration of nickel (0.002-

3.66mgL) as compared to Karachi (Sindh Province)

where its range is(0.01-2.19mg/L) Midrar-Ul-Haq et

al., 2005).In most cases nickel concentration in

ground as well as in surface water under WHO

acceptable limit.

Lead (Pb)

Lead is toxic heavy metal and it is found in the earth

crust (Raviraja et al., 2008). There are too many

source that introduce lead in atmosphere such as

Industrial waste, household paint, and vehicle

exhausts (Nadeem-ul-Haq et al., 2009). The

permissible limit set by WHO for Lead in drinking

water is 0.01mg/L. The reported concentration of

lead in different areas of Pakistan ranges from 0.001

to 2.0 in groundwater and 0 to 0.38mg/L in surface

230 Jamshaid et al.

Int. J. Biosci. 2018

water (Table 1). The lead concentration is very high in

Pakistan even it is higher to an allowable value. In

Charsadda and Risalpur (Khyber Pakhtookhwa

Province) 88% of water samples and in Karachi Sindh

Province) 100% of water samples exceeded the

permissible value for lead set by WHO (Midrar-Ul-

Haq et al., 2005).Sialkot (Punjab Province) has also

alarming condition because 100% sample of water in

this region exceeded the critical value of 0.01 mg/L

(Ullah et al., 2009).There is no well-known biological

function of lead in human body (Raviraja et al.,

2008). However, excess amount of lead creates

harmful effect on health and it can directly destroy

the major organs and system of body. Kidney failure,

haematopoietic, cardiovascular diseases, nervous

disorder, effect on immunological system these are

the most common diseases due to interaction of lead.

(Gidlow, 2004; Riess and Halm, 2007; Venkatesh,

2004). In women during pregnancy, even low

concentration of lead can effect on the newborn baby,

low birth weight and miscarriage (Bellinger, 2005;

McMichael et al., 1986). In men high level exposure

of lead can damage the organs which produce the

sperm.

Mercury (Hg)

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal in the

environment. It can be found in metal form, as

mercury salts or as organic mercury compounds. It

acts like slow poison (persistent bioaccumulative

toxin) for the living thing (Weiss and Wright,

2001).Mercury can easily be introduced into

atmosphere through various process including human

activities and natural process such as normal

breakdown of minerals in rocks, fossil fuel

combustion, use of agricultural fertilizers and

disposal of industrial wastewater (Weiss and Wright,

2001). WHO has suggested a permissible

concentration of mercury in drinking water that is

0.001mg/L. Three main reservoirs of water in

Pakistan; Lloyd (0.14mg/L), Tarbela (0.014mg/L)

and Chashma (0.017) were chosen for Mercury

analysis, all of them showed higher concentration of

Hg than WHO safe value (Ashraf et al., 1991). There

are a few studies available on Hg concentration in

drinking water. PCRWR also conducted a study and

observed that Hg concentration exceeded the WHO

safe limit. Mercury has a number of effects on

humans and environment. In the aquatic

environment Hg can be transformed into methyl

mercury which is the most toxic form of Hg (Fatoki

and Awofolu, 2003). Since it is a potential cellular

toxin, it can effecton various process within nerve cell.

It decreases the production of hormones like thyroid

hormones and testosterone in the body also affect

nano transmitter production (Fatoki and Awofolu,

2003).

Arsenic (As)

Arsenic is a naturally occurring component of the

earth‘s crust and It is widely dispersed throughout the

environment. Arsenic is carcinogenic to humans in its

inorganic form. In groundwater it is derived from

weathered rocks and soils. Inorganic arsenic from

rocks also dissolved in aquatic ecosystems in the form

of arsenic trioxide (As2O3), arsenopyrite (As FeS),

orpiment (As2S3), and realgar (As4S4).In addition to

naturally occurring in the environment, arsenic can

be released in higher quantities through volcanic

activity, forest fires, and human activity. Industrially,

Arsenic is used as an alloying agent, as well as in the

manufacturing process of glass, metal adhesives,

pigments, paper, wood preservatives and

ammunition. Humans are exposed to high levels of

inorganic arsenic through drinking contaminated

water, eating contaminated food and smoking

tobacco. The immediate symptoms of low level

arsenic poisoning include vomiting, abnormal heart

rhythm, damage to blood vessels, abdominal pain,

diarrhea, numbness and muscle cramping. Whereas

symptoms responsible for long-term exposure to high

levels of inorganic arsenic are usually observed in the

skin, and include pigmentation changes, skin lesions

and hard patches on the palms and in extreme

condition skin cancer, and tumours in kidneys, lungs,

bladder, and liver may result. The countries such as

Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Vietnam and

China have recognized the Arsenic as a big potential

risk to public health (Islam-Ul-Haque et al., 2007).

The situation is almost same in Pakistan because it

231 Jamshaid et al.

Int. J. Biosci. 2018

has also faced this issue of arsenic contamination.

The concentration of Arsenic in drinking water from

many areas of Pakistan exceeded the WHO standard

limit of 10ppb (μg/L). The observed arsenic

concentrations in three main reservoir of Pakistan i.e.

Lloyd (620 μg/L), Chashma (750 μg/L) and Tarbela,

(620 μg/L) (Ashraf et al. 1991) are higher than WHO

safe limit. The average arsenic concentration reported

in nineties is 80 μg/L in Karachi groundwater

(Rahman et al., 1997). The joined study was designed

to predict the arsenic concentration in drinking water

between Pakistan Council of Research in Water

Resources (PCRWR) and Unites Nation Children

Fund (UNICEF) in 2000.The arsenic was identified in

Rawalpindi District and Attok. Some studies also

conducted by PCRWR to point out presence of arsenic

concentration in the different area of Pakistan, with

the help of this study various areas of Punjab and

Sindh were investigated for Arsenic concentration.

(Table 2).If we discussed Multan (Punjab), Dadu and

Ganbat(Sindh), in these areas more than 50% of

water sample are beyond the standard limit of 10

μg/L, the situation is more annoying in some areas

where concentration of arsenic reported above 50

μg/Land in Sindh it exceeded to 200 μg/L (PCRWR,

2008b).

Water Treatment Techniquesor Removal of Heavy

Metal from Water

As we know world grows fastly and science plays the

important role. Industries are also the part of science

and Technology. There are so many different

technologies use to remove pollutant each technology

has certain advantage and disadvantage. Ion

exchange, super critical fluid extraction, adsorption

(S.O. Lesmana et al., 2009), electrodialysis, filtration,

precipitation (Y. Huang et al., 2015), the

electrochemical process, microbial system (M.J.K.

Ahmed et al.,2016),membrane bioreactor and an

advanced oxidation process ( J. Hazard. Mater et

al.,2014), many techniques are available to remove

heavy metal in water and advantages and

disadvantages of each technique are describe into

(table 3) to affectively remove heavy metal sometime

use no of technique at a time. We Classified into three

categories chemical, biological and physical.

Coagulation/Flocculation Technique

Treatment of heavy metal in the low soluble

compound like hydroxide, carbonates and sulfides is

called flocculation and its present alternative method

(M. Visa et al., 2016). When we talk about those

suspension molecules whose density are equal to the

density of water such type of colloidal compounds are

not settle down(D. Ghernaout et al., 2015). There are

different types of coagulants and each coagulant has it

certain quality, effectiveness depends on these

factors: PH, mixing condition, temperature and

alkalinity. Coagulant compound like aluminium

sulphate, ferric sulphate and ferric chloride and

derivatives of these like poly ferric chloride and poly

aluminium chloride were normally used as coagulants

in wastewater treatment process. In coagulation

solution. Agglomerates are used to form big colloidal

compound than with the help of filtration large

compound separate. Oily wastewater treat by poly

aluminium zinc silicate chloride, the removal

turbidity and COD is about 98.9% and 71.8%

respectively (M. Han et al., 2013). Oil removal

efficiency in wastewater increase with the help of

anionic poly acrylamide (M. Han et al.,2013, Yan et

al.,2010). Aluminum and ferric salt help to remove

arsenic and antimony. In coagulation process

aluminium and ferric salt remove arsenic while in

antimony use less dosage of ferric coagulant. It

destabilizes the colloidal particles by neutralizing

them and brings settling. Finally, the colloidal particle

settles on the metal surface and form precipitation.

The disadvantage of coagulation process, it forms a

great amount of sludge due to usage of chemical for

the separation process. Soluble polymeric flocculants

use instead of inorganic reagent because of its

environment-friendly, it is soluble in water that‘s why

it forms less slurry, easily available, sulfonic acid and

carboxylic acid are the examples of the soluble

polymer. (Yan et al.,2010, Y. Huang et al.,2016). The

heavy metal colloids present in water readily convert

into precipitate by using nanoparticle followed by

Smoluchowski coagulation theory (W. Tao et al.,

232 Jamshaid et al.

Int. J. Biosci. 2018

2016). The nano coagulant (Silver nanoparticle) also

deposit heavy metal, it may also decrease TOC

concentration in wastewater(W. Tao et

al.,2016).Heavy metal like chromium, zinc, nickel,

cadmium and lead can separate in a large amount of

sediments flocks in wastewater by using coagulants

like alum, iron followed by coagulation process (Econ.

Environ. Stud et al., 2016). Coagulation/flocculation

process effectively separate heavy metal but on the

other hand, it also produces flocks as a byproduct

(secondary pollutant) it contains heavy metal and also

has little amount of coagulant material. (J. Clean.

Prod et al., 2016).

Ion Exchange Separation Technique

Ion exchange separation, in which one of an ion is

substitutes to another ion that is present in

wastewater. In ion exchange, there is less amount of

sludge formation as compared to coagulation process

(J.A. Shah, T. Ashfaq et al., 2013). The separation

depends on ion exchange resin quality, based on the

chemical property. Mainly two types of resins,

synthetic and natural resin (J.A. Shah, T. Ashfaq et

al., 2013). Synthetic resin gives a much better result

as compared to natural one. Arsenic is removed with

the help of synthetic resin, it is the application of

synthetic resin (B. An, Q. Liang et al., 2011). In each

type of the resin are further divided into two types,

Cation and anion exchange resin. For removal of

metal use cation resin. Zeolite has the maximum

capacity to adsorb metal in wastewater, many

researchers also concluded this property of zeolite (T.

Motsi et al., 2009).The zeolites structure is a crystal

that contains silicate and aluminium which is

connected by oxygen bridges. In zeolites the Ion

exchange efficiency increase with these alkaline

charge balancing cation Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ these

ion connected to electrostatically with Al (H.

Figueiredo et al., 2014). Zeolites resin commonly uses

to remove heavy metals like Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn in

industrial water (H. Figueiredo et al., 2014),( B.

Alyuz, S. Veli et al., 2009),( H.S. Jamil et al., 2010).

Secondary pollution produces due to Re-formation

(recharge) of resin and also require the reagent that

also increase water treatment cost. Ion exchange is

suitable for low pollutant water. It mostly uses in

laboratory purpose, at large scale, it increases the cost

of water treatment (M. Bilal, J.A. Shah et al., 2013)In

1995 magnetic ion exchange use as ion exchange

resin, it was used to remove natural matter (R.D.

Ambashta, M. Sillanpaa et al.,2010).

Flotation Technique

Flotation Technique is a separation technique in

which solid particle like metal separate into liquid, in

this process small droplet introduce into waste water

and the heavy metal eliminate by the adsorption on

foam. These water foams are formed at the top of the

layer which is easily removed by applying another

process. It is the process to removes heavy metal in

water because it forms a very low amount of sludge

but its separation ability is high.it is great potential

towards those compound which has to alter physical

and chemical nature (M.R. Mahmoud, N.K. Lazaridis

et al.,2014). The parameter of flotation process is

bubble formation frequency, bubble size and bubble

velocity (D.S. Patil, S.M. Chavan et al., 2016).

Operation cost and maintenance are high in the

flotation process.

Filtration Technique

Membrane filtration is one of the best filtration

because with the help of the process we can remove

heavy metal as well as destruct other harmful

microorganisms (S. Lyu, W. Chen et al., 2015). There

is many factor that depend on membrane filtration,

particle size, pH solution concentration and applied

pressure (M.A. Barakat, E. Schmidt et al., 2010). The

membrane is made up of porous material, this helps

to separate metal from pollutant water (D.S. Patil,

S.M. Chavan et al., 2016). There are two types of

ceramic and polymer. The ceramic membrane

provides effective result in the separation of heavy

metal in industrial wastewater as compared to

polymer membrane (N.S.A. Mutamim et al., 2012).

Ceramic material membrane are high in cost and it is

also weak (N.S.A. Mutamim et al., 2012). Membrane

filtration also remove other Organic compound and

suspended material.

233 Jamshaid et al.

Int. J. Biosci. 2018

Chemical Technique

The chemical precipitation (separation) method is

one the most common method which is used in many

industries because it is the comparably cheap coast.

By changing the pH metal precipitate form and not

dissolve in a solution (M.A. Hashim, S.

Mukhopadhyay et al., 2011). Metal is extracted by

sentimental process (F. Fu, Q. Wang et al., 2011).

Isolated of heavy metal like Cu+2, Cd+2, Mn+2, and

Zn+2 (K. Tanong et al., 2017). We can eliminate

nickel and manganese by using sodium carbonate at

pH 9. This method is suitable for higher

concentration level of Ni while it does not suitable for

Mn at low concentration in wastewater (Y.C. Kuan,

I.H. Lee, J.M. Chern et al.,2010).

Electrochemical Treatment

Removal of heavy metal by electrochemical

treatment, metals are moves towards their respective

electrode that result separation has done (C. Trellu, E.

Mousset et al., 2016). Electrochemical treatment

ability depends upon some factor like electrode

material, mass transport, cell parameter, water

composition and current density (C.C. de Almeida,

P.R.F. da Costa et al., 2014). The demand of

electrochemical treatment increase for the treatment

of water day by day as we understand the importance

of environment pollution. When we compare

electrochemical treatment to other treatment like

Coagulation method, Chemical treatment method it is

much better because it does not produce any side

product. The disadvantage of electrochemical

treatment is that it requires large amount of energy

and as well as require high maintenance and it is also

limited application due to the lifetime of electrode

material is short (C. Zhang, Y. Jiang et al., 2013). This

technique eliminates very low amount of heavy metal

which is present in water due to this we can also say

that its secondary treatment method. It works as

secondary treatment process in front of ion exchange

or precipitation treatment process (X.T. Le, P. Viel, A.

Sorin et al., 2009), (H. Cui, Y. Qian et al.,2012).

Adsorption

It is a very common process to the treatment of

wastewater. It is the cheapest method because the

adsorbent of this process recharged (desorption) by

several methods, which is environment-friendly like

Thermal regeneration, electrochemical regeneration,

pressure swing. This technique does not produce any

toxic pollutant (A. Demirbas et al., 2008). It is the

most popular technique for a treatment of

wastewater. By the selection of adsorbent consider

some qualities such as less in cost, surface area pore

size etc. Some factor also affects the efficiency of

adsorbent like polarity, pore size distribution, surface

area (E. Vunain et al., 2016), (A. Ewecharoen et al.,

2009).

Conclusion

Healthy Water is a basic need for life. Now at this

time, Science able to detect contaminated and healthy

water. The excess amount of heavy metal present as

pollutant in unhealthy water. Many researches and

observations proved that at higher concentration of

heavy metal, many organs of the living thing can be

damagedand it cause serious diseases. Water

Contamination mostly due to wrong human activities

either in the industrial or residential way. Luckily

men able to control these serious diseases by

removing excess amount of heavy metal in drinking

water. There are lots of water treatment techniques

developed to remove heavy metal in water like

coagulation, chemical, membrane, electrochemical,

adsorption and so on.

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